Avignonesi

Founded in 1974, Avignonesi is one of Tuscany's most iconic estates. Run by Virginie Sayers since 2009, the vineyards have been converted to organics (and are in biodynamic conversion) in her quest to bring Vino Nobile out of the shadow of Brunello and the Super Tuscans. The motto of the estate is “Terroir Speaks. We Listen.”

Rosso di Montepulciano

With its abundant, upfront fruit and bright acidity the Rosso di Montepulciano is a gorgeous example of sangiovese in a youthful style.

A vibrant and inviting nose, showing raspberry and black currant, with aromas of sweet spices and vanilla. On the palate it is supple and fresh, supported by good acidity and an enveloping tannic structure, with notes of ripe red and black fruit.

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Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

The wine shows intense aromas of ripe, red berry fruit, such as red plum, pomegranate and red peach, sweet spices and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate the wine is well balanced, with seamless tannins and a generous finish. We love this wine for its balance of intense fruit and tertiary aromas, making it accessible in its youth but also with great ageing potential.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 'Banditella'

From a clay-rich single vineyard, Banditella offers a nuanced portrayal of Vino Nobile, vintage after vintage.

On the nose it reveals fresh fruit aromas, wild strawberries and red currant, interwoven with scents of citrus flowers. In the mouth, La Banditella is bright and fruity, well-structured and with a long and savoury finish.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 'Grandi Annate'

Produced only in the very best vintages from the best fruit, standing out for character, body and exceptional ageing potential.

Elegant, lush and enveloping, with a fragrant bouquet, reminiscent of small red berries, sweet cherries and plums, with underlying hints of rosemary and nutmeg. On the palate its impressive structure is accompanied by soft tannins and a fresh acidity, leading to a lingering, fruit-filled aftertaste.

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Rosso Toscana 'Desiderio'

Desiderio was a bull which lived on Avignonesi’s Capezzine farm more than one hundred years ago. The largest bull in Tuscany at that time, and forefather to the Chianina breed used for bistecca Fiorentina, Desiderio reflects the power and majesty of Tuscan merlot.

The bouquet bursts with black currant, myrtle, eucalyptus and black cherries. Very savoury, with hints of incense, the wine has velvety tannins and impressive persistence and finesse.

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Rosso Toscana '50 & 50'

A partnership between two iconic estates, and two great friends. The first vintage of 50&50 was 1988: during a dinner the former owners of Capannelle and Avignonesi started to compare their wines. Since they couldn't decide whose was better, they came up with this exceptional blend.

The sangiovese comes from Capanelle's vineyards in Gaiole in Chianti, and the merlot comes from Avignonesi vineyards north-east of Montepulciano.

Aromas of red berry fruits and black cherries intertwine with scents of sweet tobacco and Mediterranean herbs. The flavour is rich, enveloping and long lingering with lots of ripe fruit and warm notes of baking spices.

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Avignonesi

Founded in 1974, Avignonesi is one of the great Tuscan estates. The wines have the power of Brunello but in a softer frame. Although permitted to blend in up to 30% of other Tuscan grapes, owner Virgine Sayers relishes the challenge of making a varietal sangiovese wine. The Belgian-born former lawyer took over the estate in 2009 and has overseen a conversion to organics and biodynamics in her quest to bring Vino Nobile out of the shadow of Brunello and the Super Tuscans. The motto of the estate is “Terroir Speaks. We Listen.”